Oral Cancer Screenings For Kids – McKinney, TX
The Early Detection That Every Child Deserves
An estimated 50,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. While the majority of these cases occur in adults, it's not completely unheard of for children to be diagnosed as well. As with all cancers, early detection is crucial for successful treatment and long-term prognosis. At Sprout Dentistry, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage take your child's oral health very seriously. That's why, at every checkup, they perform a simple, non-invasive oral cancer screening for kids in McKinney. Below, you'll learn more about these potentially life-saving screenings and find out what you can expect. And if you'd like to schedule a checkup and screening for your child, don't hesitate to give us a call!
Why Choose Sprout Dentistry For Oral Cancer Screenings?
- #1 Outstanding Care From Two Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists
- #2 A Comfortable, Kid-Friendly Environment For Every Child
- #3 Highly-Trained and Experienced Doctors and Staff
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for at home:
- Sores or lesions that haven't healed within 10 days
- Soft tissue in any part of your child's mouth that's rough, crusting, or thickening
- Changes in your child’s voice
- Flat patches of tissue that have a velvety texture (they may be red, white, or speckled)
- Your child tells you that part of their oral cavity feels numb
- A chronic sore throat
- Persistent ear pain
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving the tongue
Why Do We Check Children For Oral Cancer?
Sadly, although oral cancer in childhood is relatively rare, it does happen. And while many of the tumors found in children's mouths are non-harmful and benign, it's crucial that we make sure. Particularly since the survival rate is 85%-90% when oral cancer is found early. When it comes to serious diseases like this, every child deserves the advantage of early detection.
What Can Your Child Expect During Their Screening?
Oral cancer screenings are very simple and take just minutes. Here are the basic steps involved:
- We'll begin by visually examining the outside of your child's lips, which a common spot for certain types of skin cancer.
- Then we'll look at the back of their throat and may ask them to stick out their tongue and say, “Ahhhh.”
- Next, we'll examine the roof of their mouth, inside of their cheeks and underneath their tongue.
- We may also gently palpate the floor of their mouth or underneath their jaw to check for lumps, bumps, or tender areas.
As pediatric dentists in McKinney with extensive pathology training, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage are able to identify any areas of concern. If they find something, they may ask you to return in a week or two for another look or refer you to a specialist for further assessment. Keep in mind that this doesn't necessarily mean your child has cancer! It simply means that we’re being thorough and would like more information.
With regular checkups and oral cancer screenings for your child, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your child is healthy. And since screenings are so fast and easy, they're absolutely well worth it.